Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bankhead Nat'l Forest
For those who are not inclined towards long hours of walking on wilderness trails, there
are some wonderful canyon areas that are much more accessible. The best area is the Sipsey
River recreation area on the Sipsey Fork. This is at the very southern end of the main trail
system of the wilderness. The picnic area and parking lot is an excellent place to begin trips
into the wilderness area or to bird in a beautiful canyon. Located right on the Sipsey Fork,
south of the bridge where Winston County Road 60 crosses over the river, the picnic area is
the loveliest I have ever seen. After turning off the county road, take the one-lane bridge over
the river to the parking area. Just south of this parking area is an easy trail that goes south
along the western bank of the river, and the picnic tables are along this trail. On the other
side of the trail from the river is a high sandstone canyon wall, and the trail winds into a side
canyon to a beautiful, 20-foot waterfall. Throughout this canyon are large beech, hemlock,
and poplar trees, and I have had very good luck with spotting spring songbirds here, partic-
